Guitar Picks

Guitar picks vary in material, shape, and thickness, affecting tone and playability. Early picks were made from tortoiseshell, but modern picks use celluloid, nylon, and carbon fiber. Top brands include Dunlop (Tortex & Jazz III), Fender (Celluloid Picks), Ernie Ball (Prodigy Picks), and Gravity Picks (Acrylic Custom Picks). Thinner picks (.50–.73mm) suit strumming, while thicker picks (1.0mm+) provide control for lead playing. Specialized designs, such as ergonomic grips and bevels, cater to individual playing styles. Picks are an inexpensive but vital tool in tone shaping and technique development.